Follow Your Swallow

Common questions

What is “honey thick” in IDDSI levels?

“Honey thick” is the older US name for what IDDSI now calls Level 3 — Moderately Thick / Liquidised. It flows slowly off a spoon in a smooth ribbon, can be drunk from a cup, and must have no lumps. Confirm any batch with the 10 mL syringe flow test: more than 8 mL remains after 10 seconds.

If a prescription or older paperwork says “honey thick,” treat it as IDDSI Level 3 — but confirm with the prescribing SLP, since the older terms didn't map perfectly onto the new scale.

“Nectar thick” similarly maps to IDDSI Level 2 (Mildly Thick).

Remember: we never recommend a diet level. Serve only what matches the IDDSI level prescribed by your speech-language pathologist.